Remote Tower (RT) Systems
Remote Tower (RT) systems are a proposed Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) solution for the National Airspace System (NAS). An RT system may consist of one or more types of optical sensors and displays. An RT system provides Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCS) with the visual information they need to supply ATCT services. The optical sensors can include, but are not limited, to optical day/night cameras or infrared/thermal cameras.
These sensors will be used to provide the information that controllers presently gather by looking out the windows of traditional ATCTs. Since RT system technology does not require an ATCS to look out of a window overlooking the airport, the display monitor and control equipment can be sited and operated at a location that is off airport grounds.
RT systems are used in conjunction with the tower equipment specified in the following documents:
- Advisory Circular (AC) 90-93 contains the operating procedures for non-federal ATCT.
- FAA Order JO 7210.78, Appendix A, contains The Minimum Equipment List (MEL).
This combination of equipment allows ATCS to issue instructions that provide for safe and efficient operations, in accordance with FAA Policy. (FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control and FAA Order JO 7210.3, Facility Operation and Administration.)
Manufacturers must submit their proposed RT system design to the FAA. If the design is eligible for review, we (the FAA) will evaluate it at the agency's William J. Hughes Technical Center (WJHTC) in Atlantic City, N.J. This evaluation will allow us to provide an independent assessment of the system’s capabilities in a robust operational environment. We will update this website as the evaluation proceeds, as well as when (and if) we issue "FAA System Design Approval (SDA)" for any RT system.
The purpose of the FAAʼs RT Pilot Program is, in part, to explore a new technological solution for the provision of Class D ATCT services by controllers in the NAS. To that end, we have established a set of draft specifications for RT systems. We are updating, improving, and validating those specifications as we continue to explore RT system concepts and airport configurations.
Process Overview: First, we define the RT system concepts in terms of ATCS visual information needs and RT system display components in the Operational Visual Requirements (OVRs). Next, we perform an Operational Safety Assessment (OSA) to identify functional hazards and assess
the associated levels of operational risk. We then define Minimum Functional, Performance, and Safety Requirements, to ensure that operational risks are controlled to acceptable levels. Finally, we update the Minimum Technical Requirements to reflect our latest safety requirements.
Process Documents:
Advisory Circular (Draft Version 3.0 - February 18, 2022)
Concept of Operations (Version 1.0 - April 7, 2020)
Safety Documents:
Operational Safety Assessment (OSA) (Version 2.7 - April 1, 2021)
Allocation Report: RTS for Non-federal Applications (Version 1.3 – September 16, 2021)
Requirements Documents:
Operational Visual Requirements (OVRs) (Draft Version 2.1 – Jan. 10, 2023)
RT System Technical Requirements (Draft Version 5.0 – June 2024)
Contact Non-Federal-Program@faa.gov if you are interested in marketing a RTS for non-federal use.
August 23, 2023: Remote Towers Information
FAA held an informational meeting for airports interested in remote towers.
- Event Materials
The FAA may conduct outreach meetings with key RTS vendors, as necessary.
March 16, 2023: Remote Towers Vendor Information Meeting
FAA held an informational meeting with RTS vendors.
- Event Materials
- Briefing (PDF)
July, 2021: Vendor Feedback Meeting
FAA held a vendor feedback meeting with companies that were testing and/or operating RTS.
Note: RT system technology may also be known by the following unofficial terms: Virtual Airport Traffic Control Tower, Virtual ATCT, Remote Airport Traffic Control Tower, Remote ATCT, Digital Tower.
Note: RTS technology may also be known by the following unofficial terms: Virtual Air Traffic Control Tower, Virtual ATCT, Remote Air Traffic Control Tower, Remote ATCT, Digital Tower.